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16 Years as Travel and Leisure Magazine Top Travel Expert for New Zealand and Australia

Travel and Leisure says: "Donna Thomas has explored many corners of North and South Islands in search of hidden gems. She can help birdwatchers see the endangered yellow-eyed penguin or send avid trekkers on guided hikes to secret waterfalls in Paparoa National Park."

Eichardts Hotel - Queenstown

Eichardt's opulent suites invite guests to soak up a sense of quiet before exploring one of the world's truly remarkable locations, Queenstown, in the South Island of New Zealand. Inhale the invigorating alpine air - then step out into the expectant evening and let the lights of Queenstown and canopy of stars guide you to one of the world class restaurants nearby. When winter's blanket descends over the town, the allure of open log fires, coffee aromas and cheery conversation beckon you in from the cold. Eichardt's Hotel reflects contemporary provincial elegance, its modern features in perfect harmony with distinctive antiques and luxurious furnishings of this New Zealand icon.

The hotel provides accommodation in five luxurious suites with stunning lake and mountain views. The historic building is in the premium lakefront position at the heart of Queenstown's café and restaurant precinct, with some of the finest international shopping labels an easy stroll away. The rooms all feature a super-king bed, fireplace and mini-bar, a dressing room and bathroom with generous bath and double vanity, separate shower, heated mirror and floor. Each one is fully entertainment and business integrated with personal audiovisual systems, along with email and Internet access.

All rooms are generously proportioned and the hotel has ample spaces for privacy and quiet, whether that is reading by an open log fire in The Parlour or enjoying a late morning espresso in The House Bar. Eichardt's sets its own standard for gracious, luxury accommodation with the confident strokes and flawless symmetry of one of New Zealand's leading interior designers, Virginia Fisher. All this beauty and alpine splendour is a world apart, yet right outside is the bright buzz of Queenstown's vibrant café, dining, shopping and nightlife. It has all the facilities and amenities you would expect in a world-class resort.

If you want to raft on it, jump out of it, ski over it, float down it, paddle up it, scale it, zoom down it or jetboat in four inches of it, Queenstown has your measure. This is an international adrenaline playground of epic proportions. However, some travellers miss the point about the area - that it is a destination for anyone to find their pace and that there is a great depth to the activities on offer. Here you will find some of the planet's best dry-flyfishing, award-winning wineries, tramping tracks through world heritage-listed national parks, championship golf, therapeutic massage and a choice of two casinos for a roll of the dice. Enhance the restorative powers of the mountains with one of our luxurious health and beauty treatments, have a deep tissue massage in your room or drift through the valley in a hot air balloon. Wander around the corner to see a new release movie, take a thrilling jet boat ride from the pier in front of the hotel. Queenstown has always been home and host to people from many cultures, since the gold rush days when opportunists, adventurers and explorers descended from Europe, China, Australia and the Americas. Dining is a first-class experience in Queenstown, with some of New Zealand's finest chefs bringing together a myriad of taste sensations. The green pastures and sparkling oceans provide extraordinary fresh, organic produce for the distinctive "Pacific Rim" cuisine. Specific culinary styles from almost every culture are also represented. There is also the opportunity to dine outdoors in summer on the lakefront as the sun drops over the jagged mountains, or join welcoming locals and travellers for an apres-ski drink around a crackling log fire on a snappy winter night. Enjoy a lunch of seasonal delicacies and an award-winning pinot noir beneath the vines at a local winery. Eichardt's is only a short walk away from a fantastic range of shops you would normally have to traipse all over a large international city to find. Designer clothing, uniquely New Zealand fashion, specialty accessories, jewellery and some of the world's finest outdoor technical clothing and equipment are all within walking distance. International designer labels mix with some of the most exciting and innovative ideas coming out of the southern hemisphere. The hotel is also close to support facilities and health services.

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A Word from our customers

We are very fortunate when we found Donna on this website. My husband and I were making our first trip to Australia and wanted someone who knew Australia. Donna spoke to both my husband and I to determine the right travel plans and budget. All of the specialized travel plans were perfect~ Most of the tour guides knew Donna personally which made it all the more special as they knew just how to adapt the tours to our specific needs and wants. On our first meeting in Australia at Sydney Airport, we met the most wonderful driver - Paul - who knew Donna and was the most gracious, wonderful, and informative guide I've ever experienced. And our Blue Mountain tour guide - Trevor - was ... well there are no words to describe how happy we were to have him as our guide. For those of you out there who are planning a trip to Australia or New Zealand... Donna Thomas is the most creative, masterful planner out there... You'll be wasting your money if you use anyone else! THANKS DONNA...WE LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!